In realization of the importance of Peace and Security in the developmental process of a Nation, a one-day town hall meeting on developing a culture of peace and security consciousness and awareness, was held at the LCDA Hall of Apapa-Iganmu on Wednesday 28th February, 2018. The awareness forum was organized by National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lagos State in collaboration with Apapa – Iganmu Local Council Development Area (LCDA) to sensitize various stakeholders on the need for peace and security within their communities.
In his keynote address on “DEVELOPING A CULTURE OF PEACE AND SECURITY CONSCIOUSNESS AND AWARENESS”, the director, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lagos State, Mr. Waheed Ishola, observed, that in times past, Nigerians lived peacefully together as brothers and sisters with love and trust. Presently, hardly would a day go by without reports of threats to Peace and Security or breakdown of law and order in most parts of the country. He noted that no country all over the world develops meaningfully in an atmosphere of confusion, breakdown of law and order. The more reason we need to develop a culture of peace and security consciousness as a people.
The Director spoke on seven key areas on how to develop a Culture of Peace and Security. These were:
- Having the Right Attitudes and Values – love, trust, tolerance, self control, discipline etc.
- Patriotic Spirit – putting Nigeria first in whatever we do, play a patriotic role to expose evil acts around us by giving vital information/intelligence to security agencies.
- Peaceful Sermons by Religious Leaders.
- Embrace Dialogue.
- Proper Parenting – Parents to ensure that their children/wards imbibe positive attitudes and behaviour.
- Educational Institutions – School curriculum should regularly engage pupils/students with civic education as it relates to nation building.
- Familiarization with Security Information – know your neighbours and be your neighbours keeper. Be in tune with security tips.
He equally used the occasion to call on the participants to adhere to the National Ethics or Core Values as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chapter 2 Section 23 as amended. These are: Patriotism, Discipline, Integrity, Dignity of Labour, Social Justice, Religious Tolerance and Self Reliance.
In his welcome speech, the Executive Chairman, Apapa-Iganmu Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State, represented by the Vice Chairman, Honourable Hakeem Balogun thanked NOA for partnering the local council for the programme. He urged stakeholders and all gathered to make good use of the opportunity to share ideas and learn new ways to develop peace and security.
Other speakers were: Chairman, Apapa-Iganmu Community Development Committee (CDC), Dr. Bamiyo Ganiyu Iliasu; Honourable Dele Olufemi amongst others.
The event was well attended by a cross section of Market men and Women; Various Community Leaders; Members of Community Development Committee (CDC), Artisans, Youth Leaders; Hon. Yusuf Wasiu, Secretary to the Local Council; Mrs. Yetunde S.A. Osun, Council Treasurer amongst others.